Congressman Gregory W. Meeks Mourns the Loss of Former State Senator Olga Mendez
(WASHINGTON, DC)–{Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-6) mourns the death of State Senator Olga Mendez, who served constituents from Harlem and the Bronx from 1978 to 2004 as the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the state legislature.
“It is extremely disheartening to learn of the death of Senator Olga Mendez today who served as my state senator in East Harlem when I was growing up and who I had the privilege of working with in the State Legislature. Her achievements during her tenure in office are highlighted by her efforts in voter registration, strengthening social services in her community and fighting for the issues that mattered most to her constituents,” stated Congressman Meeks.
Senator Mendez was elected as a New York Delegate in 1972. In 1978 she was elected Senator to the New York State Legislature, which she held for 26 years and represented the New York residents from the 28th district. She was elected Delegate for the Democratic Conventions of 1980, 1984 and 1988. In 1984 she earned the honor of becoming the first Puerto Rican woman to be chosen as Secretary of the Minority Conference. She spent the last six months in office in the position of Chairwoman of the Senate Labor Committee.
“She brought much inspiration to me over her 26 years in the State Legislature and I am honored to have known her as both a colleague and friend throughout my rise as a politician. She leaves behind a strong legacy and will always be honored for her leadership and service to New York. I would like to extend my condolences to her family, friends and her constituents during this tough time and will continue to keep them in my prayers,” stated Congressman Meeks.
Now serving in his sixth full-term, Meeks was elected to the House on February 3, 1998. Representing New York's Sixth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, Meeks' district covers all towns of Southeast Queens, Far Rockaway and Howard Beach. He is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congressman Meeks is the Chairman of the International Monetary Policy & Trade Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. He is a Member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), New Democrats Coalition and the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). He serves as the Co-chair of the Malaysia Caucus, Services Caucus, Dialogue Caucus, OAS Caucus and the Middle East Economic Partnership Caucus. }